In a push to secure grant funding, law enforcement agencies regularly turn to well-known opportunities from federal and state funding sources. Offerings like the U.S. Department of Justice’s COPS Hiring Program, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG), and the Small, Rural, and Tribal Body-Worn Camera Program (SRT BWC) can be a great fit for projects and programs requiring large award amounts. These high-profile grants often fund major priorities such as hiring new officers, purchasing technology and tools, supporting anti-drug efforts and making large capital expenditures.
Although these programs are well suited for a variety of law enforcement funding needs, federal and state grants can be impractical for smaller projects and come with a unique set of challenges and requirements not every department has the capacity to meet. Application cycles can be lengthy, matching fund requirements may strain local budgets, and the reporting burden can overwhelm smaller departments already short on administrative staff.
Thinking Differently About Local Grants
In these situations, tapping into local grant programs can be an efficient method for police and sheriff departments to secure additional funding. Local grants are often overlooked by public safety departments, but they offer accessible and community-centered funding that can fill essential gaps in programming and equipment needs.
Although local grants can have smaller award potential, the application process, review window and reporting requirements are generally less burdensome than what is required with federal and state grants. Law enforcement agencies wanting to fund smaller projects may find local opportunities are a better option to satisfy funding requirements. For instance, a department looking to fund a youth engagement program or purchase materials for community outreach may not need a six-figure federal grant. Instead, a local $5,000 grant could make a meaningful impact without all the red tape.
Connecting with local grant makers presents a law enforcement agency with the unique opportunity to build partnerships and collaborate with local stakeholders. These grant funds can help your agency create strategies that improve the safety and well-being of your community.
Not all projects require large grant awards, so knowing where to look in your local community can help your department tackle smaller projects.
How Much Is Available?
Each year, nearly $130 billion in grant funds are distributed by private and corporate foundations across the U.S. For many local police and sheriff departments, this staggering figure represents a largely untapped resource. Many restaurants, big box stores, small businesses, local foundations, energy co-ops, railroad companies and non-profit agencies support organizations in their communities through grant programs. It’s all too easy to miss local opportunities, especially if your agency has never applied for funding with a particular grant maker before. Grants from non-governmental sources are not always well-advertised, and in some situations, opportunities are only shared with past awardees or with select organizations. Knowing where to look, and who to connect with, can aid a department in securing local grant funds.
Developing a local grant strategy — and assigning even one sworn or civilian staff member to explore these opportunities — can significantly enhance a department’s access to sustainable funding.
Finding Local Opportunities
Community foundations are an excellent resource for law enforcement agencies to seek out when searching for local funding. Not only do these foundations make grants and engage in fundraising, but some also provide grant-searching and grant-writing resources for local organizations to apply for. Community foundations prioritize the needs and initiatives within a specific geographical area, with board members and program staff often living in the communities they serve. Time spent fostering relationships with community foundations is well worth the effort. Partnerships with foundations can last well beyond the end of a single grant cycle. A successful grantee is often able to apply for future funding through the foundation and may be eligible to apply for larger amounts than a first-time grantee.
Examples of successful partnerships between law enforcement and community foundations include efforts such as anti-violence campaigns, school-based mentoring programs, and victim assistance services. Local foundations often prefer to fund initiatives that emphasize prevention, collaboration and community impact — areas where police departments are increasingly active.
Non-Profit Partnerships
Some non-profits partner with other local organizations to accomplish their mission or support certain community initiatives. The non-profit may offer funding to support partners in meeting their objectives. This can be a prime opportunity for a law enforcement agency to create or expand community-based programming like summer youth camps, firearm safety courses and other prevention and education programs. Collaborating on these initiatives demonstrates a department’s commitment to proactive and preventive approaches to public safety. Stakeholder meetings can be an effective tool to facilitate collaboration between local law enforcement and non-profit organizations, creating a pathway for future programmatic partnerships. Reach out to a local non-profit, such as United Way, to find more information about stakeholder meetings taking place in the community.
Small businesses like private health care providers, retail stores and restaurants may also offer grant or sponsorship programs as a way to give back to the communities they serve. Because businesses are likely to be in contact with their local Chamber of Commerce, connecting with this office can help law enforcement to seek out lesser-known grant and sponsorship opportunities. (Search for “ Chamber of Commerce” to find out where to begin.) Big box stores, chain restaurants and insurance agencies often have local grant and assistance programs specifically for organizations in their service area. These opportunities are often found online or in a grant database, which can eliminate some of the legwork involved in searching for local assistance.
Some examples include Walmart’s Spark Good Local Grants Program, Target Foundation community grants, and the State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Program. Each supports community safety and development projects, often including law enforcement-led efforts like school safety programs or traffic safety campaigns.
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Don’t Overlook the Impact of Local Grants
Exploring grants through local businesses, non-profits and community foundations can reduce the pressure to secure federal or state funds. Not all projects require large grant awards, so knowing where to look in your local community can help your department tackle smaller projects. Additionally, pursuing local grant and sponsorship programs can open doors that lead to benefits beyond securing funds. It fosters a chance to create community partnerships that strengthen public safety initiatives and inspire trust. In an era where community engagement and transparency are vital to public trust, these partnerships can be invaluable.
Agencies that regularly engage with community funders and participate in joint initiatives often find themselves viewed as allies in broader community development, not just enforcers of the law. Take time to learn about programs available locally and about the passionate organizations willing to invest in your community. Building these relationships can improve morale, expand your department’s influence and demonstrate a sincere investment in the community’s future.
While federal and state grants remain vital resources for law enforcement, local grants represent a flexible and often underutilized tool for departments of all sizes. By diversifying funding strategies to include local opportunities, agencies can better respond to immediate needs, build lasting community partnerships and establish a foundation for future growth. The money is out there — sometimes, it’s just closer than you think.
Not sure where to start and need assistance finding local grants? Lexipol’s team of expert grant professionals and project managers can position you for success to help fund your organization’s needs.
